You may be aware that abortion involves the removal of the embryo or fetus from the uterus before it can survive outside the womb.

At times, you may have to take the decision of abortion due to certain unavoidable circumstances. however, you must have the right knowledge on abortion before you opt for one.

There are different types of abortion.

Want to know more about them? Then this blog is perfect for you.

Mykare health is here to guide you about the different types of abortion so that you can plan your journey accordingly.

This blog includes the different methods of abortion along with their advantages and risk factors. Let’s begin by understanding what is abortion.

Definition of Abortion

Abortion is called a deliberate termination of a pregnancy, usually before the fetus is able to survive outside the uterus. There are various methods of abortion discussed here. You should understand each method before undergoing treatment through any method.

Reasons for Abortion

There may be various reasons for abortion as follows.

• Medical conditions that threaten the health or life of the pregnant person.

• Serious developmental abnormalities detected in the foetus.

• Inability to care for a child.

• Cases where pregnancy is a result of sexual assault.

Medical Abortion

• It is a non-surgical method used to terminate a pregnancy in its early stages through the use of medications. This includes medications such as Mifepristone which blocks the hormone progesterone needed for the pregnancy to continue and the Misoprostol which is taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel its contents.

• This abortion is very effective and it does not need any surgery. It can be administered at home or in a private setting under medical supervision. The method is less emotionally challenging.

• Common side effects may include cramping, bleeding, nausea, and diarrhea.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion involves a minor surgical procedure to terminate a pregnancy by removing the foetus and placenta from the uterus.

It is commonly used in the first trimester (up to 14-16 weeks. The method usually takes about 10-15 minutes. It may include mild cramping and bleeding. The method is used in the second trimester (after 16 weeks). Recovery time may be a little longer.

Surgical methods are generally quicker than medical abortion methods. Method is usually completed in a single visit to a doctor. The method may include infection, uterine perforation, and excessive bleeding.

Early Medical Abortion Methods

Early medical abortion refers to the use of medications to terminate a pregnancy in its early stages. This method is typically effective up to 10 weeks gestation and involves specific medications and procedures.

Mifepristone medication is used which blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. The usage of Misoprostol which is taken 24 to 48 hours after mifepristone, misoprostol causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.

Early medical abortion is effective in terminating pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation in about 95-98% of cases. The method does not require surgery. Common side effects include cramping, bleeding, nausea, and diarrhea. The process can take several hours to a few days to complete.

Surgical Techniques for Later Gestational Ages

Surgical abortion techniques for later gestational ages are used when pregnancies have progressed beyond the early stages. They require medical supervision. The method is usually performed after 16 weeks of pregnancy.

The method involves where the cervix is opened slowly over a period of time using medications. Surgical instruments such as forceps, and curettes are used to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes.

Induction Abortion

• Induction abortion, or the medical induction or, labour induction abortion, is a method used to terminate pregnancies that have advanced to later gestational ages, usually in the second or third trimester.

• Induction abortion is usually performed when the pregnancy has advanced beyond the first trimester, often after 16 weeks gestation.

• Medications like misoprostol or oxytocin are used to induce contractions and initiate labour. The foetus, placenta, and pregnancy tissue are delivered vaginally, similar to a normal delivery process.

• The induction method can vary in duration, ranging from several hours to a few days, depending on individual circumstances and medical protocols. Local anesthesia or regional anesthesia may be used to manage pain and discomfort during the induction and delivery process.

• The method provides an option to terminate pregnancies in later stages, where other methods may not be suitable.

• It needs careful planning and management due to the advanced gestational age and medical complexities.

These are the various types of abortion that you may have to opt for based on consultation with your doctor. Please make sure you get in touch with a medical expert before you choose.

Mykare Health connects you to the top doctors to help you make an informed choice. Reach out to us for further information.